As Everton thrashed Arsenal 3-0 at Goodison, you couldn’t help but think that they could now have the momentum to propel the ‘Toffees’ into the English Premier League’s ‘Top Four’. Thus potentially securing the Merseyside side a Champions League place.

Having witnessed some of Everton’s performances this season you can’t help but be impressed with the way boss Roberto Martinez has his side playing their football.

They are very exciting to watch.

Going forward they run directly at opponents, dazzle with quick passing and create a vast amount of chances. At the back they are composed, balanced and hardworking. The whole team chase down opposite numbers and press from the off. This in your face style causes mistakes and they capitalise on these mistakes by cutting open opposition teams.

The blue side of Liverpool also hold on to the ball well and keep the game flowing.

This season hasn’t just been down to one or two players or even just a handful of stars. The whole squad has improved and that is down to, in no small measure, the players reacting well to Martinez’s methods.

Just look at Steven Naismith. The Scottish forward could certainly be seen as a squad player but he’s been great of late. He has waited for the right time to impress and he has done just that. His club manager showed belief in him and he has repaid the Spaniard with two man of the match performances in the past two fixtures.

After an injury to captain Phil Jagielka, John Stones is another who has came in and done his team proud. The 19 year old hasn’t looked out of place helping secure the side three clean-sheets in his last six league fixtures.

The pool of players has a wonderful compliment of exciting youthful talent and fantastic wily old pros.

The spine of the team is solid.

Tim Howard is one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers. The American goalie is consistent and reliable. A superb shot-stopper who gives those in front of him some extra confidence.

At the back when fit it is usually Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka as the defensive pairing. The duo is one of the best partnerships in the league and are solid. Plus they still have a bit of pace about them too.

Full-backs Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines have been magnificent to watch this term. They are always willing to run forward and then back again down the touchlines. They are relentless in their work-rate. They also provide chances for others as well as scoring ten goals between themselves.

Protecting the defence has been a job given to new boys (loanee) Gareth Barry and James McCarthy. They have both came in and been superb. They are very tidy players, who are able  annoy opponents and win the ball back for their club. The two will then seek out the more creative players around them and give them the possession. They’re very dependable and have added a new steeliness to the Goodison Park outfit.

The creative sparks such as Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu are always worth watching. They have that ability to get you onto the edge of your seat and thinking what will they do next? The fact that both Barkley and Deulofeu are still only twenty beggars belief. Two potential superstars.

Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are both mainstays of the squad and are players that will give their all for the jersey!

Up top, the main man has been Romelu Lukaku. The on-loan Chelsea frontman has bagged 13 EPL goals in 23 starts. The powerful forward has really helped the ‘Toffees’ with important goals against Arsenal and a brace against derby rivals Liverpool. If Everton can secure fourth spot, they should do everything in their power to keep the big Belgian in Merseyside.

Everton have also had a quite a few injuries this campaign with Bryan Oviedo, Phil Jagielka, Steven Pienaar, Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone and Lacina Kone all currently sitting on the treatment tables. But you’d never have guessed it with the squad defining their season with a great record of wins at a crucial time of the season.

When David Moyes departed Goodison for Old Trafford, some interested observers wondered if that was an end to Everton and their ability to challenge for European places. But Roberto Martinez has stepped in and seems to have taken the club to the next level. The team believe in the Spanish gaffer and have all flourished under his guardianship. They like the free flowing tactics and the ideas he brings to the training ground. The forward thinking coach has instilled his philosophies and the club have flourished because of it.

Now the chance to finish fourth is in Everton’s own hands. But to fulfil that destiny they have to win their game in hand and leapfrog Arsenal. They also have to get positive results in their home fixtures against both Manchester clubs.

So as I say its far from certain that Everton will see out the season as England’s fourth best side but one thing can’t be doubted and that is, along with city competitors  Liverpool, Everton have been one of the countries most deserving and entertaining sides to watch this season!

Posted on April 6th, 2014 by scott
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